Wildlife Photographer Captured Extremely Rare Yellow Penguin In Once-In-A-Lifetime Photos

Penguins use the yellow pigment to attract mates and we strongly suspect that the yellow molecule is synthesized internally, researcher Daniel Thomas tells Smithsonian Insider. It's distinct from any of the five known classes of avian plumage pigmentation and represents a new sixth class of feather pigment. As far as we are aware, the molecule is unlike any of the yellow pigments found in a penguin's diet. In this particular case, it's not clear whether the yellow color of the penguin is attractive or repulsive for the opposite sex.